U.S. patent application number 14/933947 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-25 for user friendly interface for control unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to GOOGLE INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Google Inc.. Invention is credited to Fred Bould, Anthony Michael Fadell, John Benjamin Filson, Brian Huppi, Michael James Matas, Michael Plitkins, Matthew Lee Rogers, David Sloo.
Application Number | 20160054022 14/933947 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46063215 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160054022 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matas; Michael James ; et
al. |
February 25, 2016 |
USER FRIENDLY INTERFACE FOR CONTROL UNIT
Abstract
A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that
includes a circular body having a large central display surrounded
by a ring that can be rotated an pressed inward by a user so as to
receive user input in a simple elegant fashion. Different colors
can be displayed to the user to indicate currently active HVAC
functions, and different shades of colors can be displayed to a
user to indicate an estimated amount of time and/or energy for
reaching a target temperature. The thermostat is wall mountable and
is made up of a head unit removeably mounted to a backplate. A
locking mechanism can be provided so as to increase security
against unauthorized removal of the head unit. The backplate can be
adapted to be mounted on a wall so as to be level, for example by
including a bubble level on the backplate. One or more vents are
preferably located on the sides of the body, such as in a gap
beneath the translatably mounted ring, and/or in a gap between the
head unit and the backplate. The target temperature for the device
can be altered in response to sensing rotation of the rotating
ring, and the programmed schedule can be displayed to and altered
by the user in response to sensing rotation of the ring and the
translational movement of the ring. Historical information such as
temperature and cost information can be displayed to a user in
response to sensing rotating of the rotating ring. One or more
device settings can be displayed to and edited by a user in
response to sensing rotating of the rotating member and the
translational movement. According to some embodiments, text
characters can be entered by the user.
Inventors: |
Matas; Michael James; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Sloo; David; (Menlo Park, CA)
; Plitkins; Michael; (Berkeley, CA) ; Fadell;
Anthony Michael; (Portola Valley, CA) ; Rogers;
Matthew Lee; (Los Gatos, CA) ; Filson; John
Benjamin; (Mountain View, CA) ; Huppi; Brian;
(San Francisco, CA) ; Bould; Fred; (Menlo Park,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Google Inc. |
Mountain View |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GOOGLE INC.
Mountain View
CA
|
Family ID: |
46063215 |
Appl. No.: |
14/933947 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13033573 |
Feb 23, 2011 |
9223323 |
|
|
14933947 |
|
|
|
|
61429093 |
Dec 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
61415771 |
Nov 19, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/276 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/56 20180101;
F24F 2110/10 20180101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; F24F 11/64 20180101;
F24F 11/63 20180101; G05D 23/1902 20130101; Y02D 30/70 20200801;
F24F 2130/40 20180101; Y02D 70/162 20180101; F24F 11/46 20180101;
F24D 19/1084 20130101; F24F 11/61 20180101; Y02D 70/122 20180101;
B01D 46/0086 20130101; F24F 11/47 20180101; F24F 11/52 20180101;
G05B 15/02 20130101; Y02B 10/70 20130101; H01R 9/2416 20130101;
F24F 11/39 20180101; Y02B 10/20 20130101; G05D 23/1917 20130101;
Y02D 70/142 20180101; F24F 11/32 20180101; G05D 23/19 20130101;
F24F 2120/20 20180101; H04W 4/70 20180201; F24F 2120/10 20180101;
Y02D 70/144 20180101; F24F 11/89 20180101; G05B 13/0265 20130101;
F24F 2140/60 20180101; F24F 11/30 20180101; F24F 11/62 20180101;
F24D 19/10 20130101; F24F 2110/00 20180101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00; G05B 15/02 20060101 G05B015/02; F24F 11/02 20060101
F24F011/02 |
Claims
1. A wall-mounted device for sensing and control for one or more
systems in a home environment, said device comprising: a body
having a circular cross-section, a wall-facing rear surface, and a
user-facing front surface; an outer ring that laterally surrounds
said body to form a circular lateral periphery of said device, said
outer ring being user-rotatable around said body and being inwardly
pressable; at least one environmental sensing component disposed
within said body; a communication component configured for
providing wired or wireless sensing and/or control-related
communications with said one or more home systems; a user-facing
circular display component configured to highlight respective ones
of a circular arrangement of display elements appearing nearalong a
periphery thereof as a user rotates said outer ring; a user input
component formed by said user-facing circular display component and
said outer ring, wherein a user selection of one of said display
elements is established upon an inward pressing of said outer ring
while said display element is highlighted, and wherein plural
respective user selections of different ones of said display
elements are established by repeated user rotations and inward
pressings of said outer ring; and a processor in operative
communication with said at least one environmental sensing
component, said communication component, and said user input
component; wherein said processor is configured and programmed to
provide a software lockout functionality in which user access to
the control of one or more sensing or control functions of said
device is prevented unless a user enters a password or combination
using said user input component.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one environmental
sensing component comprises a temperature sensor, an infrared
sensor, and a visible light sensor.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one environmental
sensing component comprises an occupancy sensing component, an
acoustic sensing component, and a camera component.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said user-facing front surface is
configured such that said at least one environmental sensing
component is substantially visually concealed from user view while
being substantially exposed to said environmental condition being
sensed.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein said at least one environmental
sensing component comprises an acoustic sensing component and/or a
temperature sensor, and wherein said user-facing front surface is
configured with a grill member that exposes said at least one
environmental sensing component to ambient air while substantially
concealing said at least one environmental sensing component from
user view.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said user-facing surface provides
a darker background against which one or more of said plurality of
display elements is highlighted.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein user access to the control of
said one or more sensing or control functions of said device
enables a user to lock or unlock one of said systems in said home
environment.
8. A method for using a wall-mounted device for sensing and control
for one or more systems in a home environment, said method
comprising: detecting a user rotation of an outer ring that
laterally surrounds a body of said device to form a circular
lateral periphery of said device, said body having a circular
cross-section, a wall-facing rear surface, and a user-facing front
surface, said outer ring being user-rotatable around said body for
enabling said user rotation, said device having a user-facing
circular display component, said user-facing circular display
component and said outer ring forming a user input component,
wherein at least one environmental sensing component is disposed
within said body of said device, wherein said device includes a
communication component configured for providing wired or wireless
sensing and/or control-related communications with said one or more
home systems, wherein said device includes a processor in operative
communication with said at least one environmental sensing
component, said communication component, and said user input
component; highlighting, based on said user rotation of said outer
ring, respective ones of a circular arrangement of display elements
appearing nearalong a periphery of said user-facing circular
display component; detecting an inward pressing of said outer ring,
said outer ring being inwardly pressable for enabling said inward
pressing; identifying as a user selection one of said display
elements that is highlighted when said inward pressing of said
outer ring is detected, wherein plural respective user selections
of different ones of said display elements are identified
responsive to repeated user rotations and/or inward pressings of
said outer ring; and permitting user access to the control of one
or more sensing or control functions of said device if said plural
respective user selections corresponds to a password or
combination.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said at least one environmental
sensing component comprises a temperature sensor, an infrared
sensor, and a visible light sensor.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein said at least one environmental
sensing component comprises an occupancy sensing component, an
acoustic sensing component, and a camera component.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein said user-facing front surface
is configured such that said at least one environmental sensing
component is substantially visually concealed from user view while
being substantially exposed to said environmental condition being
sensed.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least one environmental
sensing component comprises an acoustic sensing component and/or a
temperature sensor, and wherein said user-facing front surface is
configured with a grill member that exposes said at least one
environmental sensing component to ambient air while substantially
concealing said at least one environmental sensing component from
user view.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein said user-facing surface
provides a darker background against which one or more of said
plurality of display elements is highlighted.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein user access to the control of
said one or more sensing or control functions of said device
enables a user to lock or unlock one of said systems in said home
environment.
15. A wall-mounted device for sensing and control for one or more
systems in a home environment, said device comprising: a body
having a circular cross-section and a central axis, said central
axis extending generally perpendicular to a wall when said device
is wall-mounted, said body having a sidewall that extends along a
length of said central axis between first and second ends of said
body, said sidewall having inner and outer surfaces, said inner
surface at least partially defining an interior area of said body,
said first end of said body being wall-facing when said device is
wall-mounted, said send end of said body being user-facing when
said device is wall-mounted, said first end of said body having a
wall-facing outer surface, said first end of said body having a
user-facing outer surface; an outer ring surrounding at least a
portion of said outer surface of said sidewall of said body, said
outer ring having an axis of rotation that extends generally
parallel to said central axis of said body, said outer ring being
configured to be rotatable generally about said axis of rotation,
wherein at least a portion of said outer ring is configured to be
inwardly pressable generally toward said wall when said device is
wall-mounted; at least one environmental sensing component being at
least partially disposed within said interior area of said body; a
communication component being configured for providing wired or
wireless sensing and/or control-related communications with said
one or more home systems; a user-facing circular display component
being configured to highlight respective ones of a circular
arrangement of display elements appearing nearalong a periphery
thereof as a user rotates said outer ring; a user input component
being formed by said user-facing circular display component and
said outer ring, wherein a user selection of one of said display
elements is established upon an inward pressing of said outer ring
while said display element is highlighted, and wherein plural
respective user selections of different ones of said display
elements are established by repeated user rotations and inward
pressings of said outer ring; and a processor being in operative
communication with said at least one environmental sensing
component, said communication component, and said user input
component; wherein said processor is configured and programmed to
provide a software lockout functionality in which user access to
the control of one or more sensing or control functions of said
device is prevented unless a user enters a password or combination
using said user input component.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein said at least one environmental
sensing component comprises a temperature sensor, an infrared
sensor, and a visible light sensor.
17. The device of claim 15, wherein said at least one environmental
sensing component comprises an occupancy sensing component, an
acoustic sensing component, and a camera component.
18. The device of claim 15, wherein said user-facing front surface
is configured such that said at least one environmental sensing
component is substantially visually concealed from user view while
being substantially exposed to said environmental condition being
sensed.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein said at least one environmental
sensing component comprises an acoustic sensing component and/or a
temperature sensor, and wherein said user-facing front surface is
configured with a grill member that exposes said at least one
environmental sensing component to ambient air while substantially
concealing said at least one environmental sensing component from
user view.
20. The device of claim 15, wherein said user-facing surface
provides a darker background against which one or more of said
plurality of display elements is highlighted.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
13/033,573 filed Feb. 23, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Prov. Ser. No. 61/415,771 filed Nov. 19, 2010; and of U.S. Prov.
Ser. No. 61/429,093 filed December 31, 2010. The subject matter of
this patent specification also relates to the subject matter of the
following commonly assigned applications: U.S. Ser. No. 12/881,430
filed Sep. 14, 2010; U.S. Ser. No. 12/881,463 filed Sep. 14, 2010;
U.S. Ser. No. 12/984,602 filed Jan. 4, 2011; and U.S. Ser. No.
12/987,257 filed Jan. 10, 2011. Each of the above-referenced patent
applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may
contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by
anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records,
but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This invention relates generally to the control of HVAC
systems. More particularly, embodiments of this invention relate to
user interfaces for thermostats, other HVAC controlling systems,
and/or for other systems for controlling household utilities,
resources or other systems.
[0004] While substantial effort and attention continues toward the
development of newer and more sustainable energy supplies, the
conservation of energy by increased energy efficiency remains
crucial to the world's energy future. According to an October 2010
report from the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling
account for 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it
the largest energy expense for most homes. Along with improvements
in the physical plant associated with home heating and cooling
(e.g., improved insulation, higher efficiency furnaces),
substantial increases in energy efficiency can be achieved by
better control and regulation of home heating and cooling
equipment. By activating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) equipment for judiciously selected time intervals and
carefully chosen operating levels, substantial energy can be saved
while at the same time keeping the living space suitably
comfortable for its occupants.
[0005] Historically, however, most known HVAC thermostatic control
systems have tended to fall into one of two opposing categories,
neither of which is believed be optimal in most practical home
environments. In a first category are many simple, non-programmable
home thermostats, each typically consisting of a single mechanical
or electrical dial for setting a desired temperature and a single
HEAT-FAN-OFF-AC switch. While being easy to use for even the most
unsophisticated occupant, any energy-saving control activity, such
as adjusting the nighttime temperature or turning off all
heating/cooling just before departing the home, must be performed
manually by the user. As such, substantial energy-saving
opportunities are often missed for all but the most vigilant users.
Moreover, more advanced energy-saving settings are not provided,
such as the ability to specify a custom temperature swing, i.e.,
the difference between the desired set temperature and actual
current temperature (such as 1 to 3 degrees) required to trigger
turn-on of the heating/cooling unit.
[0006] In a second category, on the other hand, are many
programmable thermostats, which have become more prevalent in
recent years in view of Energy Star (US) and TCO (Europe)
standards, and which have progressed considerably in the number of
different settings for an HVAC system that can be individually
manipulated. Unfortunately, however, users are often intimidated by
a dizzying array of switches and controls laid out in various
configurations on the face of the thermostat or behind a panel door
on the thermostat, and seldom adjust the manufacturer defaults to
optimize their own energy usage. Thus, even though the installed
programmable thermostats in a large number of homes are
technologically capable of operating the HVAC equipment with
energy-saving profiles, it is often the case that only the
one-size-fits-all manufacturer default profiles are ever
implemented in a large number of homes. Indeed, in an unfortunately
large number of cases, a home user may permanently operate the unit
in a "temporary" or "hold" mode, manually manipulating the
displayed set temperature as if the unit were a simple,
non-programmable thermostat. Thus, there is a need for a thermostat
having an improved user interface that is simple, intuitive and
easy to use such that the typical user is able to access many of
the features such as programming energy-saving profiles.
[0007] At a more general level, because of the fact that human
beings must inevitably be involved, there is a tension that arises
between (i) the amount of energy-saving sophistication that can be
offered by an HVAC control system, and (ii) the extent to which
that energy-saving sophistication can be put to practical, everyday
use in a large number of homes. Similar issues arise in the context
of multi-unit apartment buildings, hotels, retail stores, office
buildings, industrial buildings, and more generally any living
space or work space having one or more HVAC systems. Other issues
arise as would be apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading
the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
[0008] According to some embodiments a programmable device for
controlling an HVAC system is provided. The device is preferably a
programmable thermostat and includes a rounded body; a rounded
display mounted on the body and adapted to display information to a
user; a rotating ring mounted on the body and adapted to receive
user input; and a processing system adapted to control one or more
HVAC functions according to a scheduled program, to display
information on the rounded display and to receive user input from
the rotating ring. According to some embodiments the body, display
and ring are circular in shape, and the display is a dot matrix
display using a display technology such as passive LCD, monochrome
LCD, color LCD, organic light-emitting diode, or electronic ink.
According to some embodiments different colors are displayed to the
user to indicate currently active HVAC functions, and different
shades of colors are displayed to a user to indicate an estimated
amount of time and/or energy for reaching a target temperature.
[0009] According to some embodiments, the rounded body forms part
of a head unit, and the device also includes a backplate adapted to
be mounted on a wall. The head unit can be removeably mounted to
the backplate, and a locking mechanism can be provided for locking
the head unit to the back plate so as to increase security against
unauthorized removal of the head unit. The backplate can be adapted
to be mounted on a wall so as to be level, for example by including
a bubble level on the backplate.
[0010] According to some embodiments, the rotating ring is mounted
so as to be translatably moveable in a direction towards the base
of the device so as to receive user input. One or more vents are
preferably located on the sides of the body, such as in a gap
beneath the translatably mounted ring, and/or in a gap between the
head unit and the backplate.
[0011] According to some embodiments a method for interacting with
a user with a programmable device for controlling an HVAC system is
provided. The method includes displaying information to a user on a
rounded dot-matrix display mounted on a rounded body of the
programmable device; and receiving input from a user at least in
part using rotating member mounted on the body and by sensing a
translational movement of the rotating member toward the base of
the device. The rotating member is preferably a rotating ring
surrounding the rounded display. The device can be mounted on a
wall on the base of the device.
[0012] According to some embodiments, the target temperature for
the device can be altered in response to sensing rotation of the
rotating ring, and the programmed schedule can be displayed to and
altered by the user in response to sensing rotation of the ring and
the translational movement of the ring. Historical information such
as temperature and cost information can be displayed to a user in
response to sensing rotating of the rotating ring. One or more
device settings are displayed to and editable by a user in response
to sensing rotating of the rotating member and the translational
movement. According to some embodiments, text characters are
received from a user using the rotating member and the
translational movement.
[0013] According to some embodiments, a thermostat for controlling
at least one HVAC function in an HVAC system is provided. The
thermostat includes a back plate and a head unit. The back plate
includes connectors adapted to connect to HVAC control wires, and a
back plate processor adapted and programmed so as to turn on and
turn off the HVAC function. The head unit includs a display adapted
to display information to a user, a user input device for receiving
input from a user, and a head unit processor adapted and programmed
to control the display and processing received user input. The head
unit and back plate are adapted to physically attach to each other
so as to provide electrical connection between the head unit and
back plate. According to some embodiments, the back plate is wall
mountable and can include a temperature sensor. According to some
embodiments, the back plate can maintain a set temperature when the
head unit is not attached to the back plate. According to some
embodiments, the back plate can control the HVAC system according
to a series of programmed settings that take effect at different
times of the day, when the head unit is not attached to the back
plate. According to some embodiments the head unit also includes a
rechargeable battery, and/or a wireless communication system.
According to some embodiments, the head unit can update a
thermodynamic model relating to an enclosure in which the HVAC
system is installed.
[0014] As used herein the term "HVAC" includes systems providing
both heating and cooling, heating only, cooling only, as well as
systems that provide other occupant comfort and/or conditioning
functionality such as humidification, dehumidification and
ventilation.
[0015] As used herein the term "residential" when referring to an
HVAC system means a type of HVAC system that is suitable to heat,
cool and/or otherwise condition the interior of a building that is
primarily used as a single family dwelling. An example of a cooling
system that would be considered residential would have a cooling
capacity of less than about 5 tons of refrigeration (1 ton of
refrigeration=12,000 Btu/h).
[0016] As used herein the term "light commercial" when referring to
an HVAC system means a type of HVAC system that is suitable to
heat, cool and/or otherwise condition the interior of a building
that is primarily used for commercial purposes, but is of a size
and construction that a residential HVAC system is considered
suitable. An example of a cooling system that would be considered
residential would have a cooling capacity of less than about 5 tons
of refrigeration.
[0017] As used herein the term "thermostat" means a device or
system for regulating parameters such as temperature and/or
humidity within at least a part of an enclosure. The term
"thermostat" may include a control unit for a heating and/or
cooling system or a component part of a heater or air
conditioner.
[0018] It will be appreciated that these systems and methods are
novel, as are applications thereof and many of the components,
systems, methods and algorithms employed and included therein. It
should be appreciated that embodiments of the presently described
inventive body of work can be implemented in numerous ways,
including as processes, apparata, systems, devices, methods,
computer readable media, computational algorithms, embedded or
distributed software and/or as a combination thereof. Several
illustrative embodiments are described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The inventive body of work will be readily understood by
referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an enclosure in which environmental
conditions are controlled, according to some embodiments;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an HVAC system, according to some
embodiments;
[0022] FIGS. 3A-C illustrate a thermostat having a user friendly
interface, according to some embodiments;
[0023] FIG. 4A illustrates a thermostat having a head unit and a
backplate for ease of installation, configuration and upgrading,
according to some embodiments;
[0024] FIGS. 4B-C shows a top and bottom view of a thermostat
backplate, according to some embodiments;
[0025] FIGS. 5A-B illustrate a thermostat as it is being controlled
by the hand of a user according to some embodiments;
[0026] FIGS. 6A-F illustrate basic user interactions with a
thermostat, according to to some embodiments;
[0027] FIGS. 7A-P illustrate a thermostat having a user interface
capable of viewing and editing future set points and review
historical information, according to some embodiments;
[0028] FIGS. 8A-F illustrates how other thermostat settings can be
made using a user interface, according to some embodiments;
[0029] FIGS. 9A-D illustrate a thermostat having a user interface
capable of entering textual information, according to some
embodiments;
[0030] FIGS. 10A and 10B show a thermostat having further buttons
to facilitate user input and navigation, according to some
embodiments;
[0031] FIGS. 11A-B illustrate further aspects of a user interface
for a thermostat according to some embodiments;
[0032] FIGS. 12A-C illustrate aspects of a thermostat user
interface, according to some embodiments;
[0033] FIG. 13 shows the relationship between a computer display
and thermostat display, according to some embodiments; and
[0034] FIGS. 14A-B show a thermostat having an interactive user
interface, according to some embodiments.
[0035] FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a
thermostat having an HVAC-coupling wall dock, according to some
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] A detailed description of the inventive body of work is
provided below. While several embodiments are described, it should
be understood that the inventive body of work is not limited to any
one embodiment, but instead encompasses numerous alternatives,
modifications, and equivalents. In addition, while numerous
specific details are set forth in the following description in
order to provide a thorough understanding of the inventive body of
work, some embodiments can be practiced without some or all of
these details. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, certain
technical material that is known in the related art has not been
described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
inventive body of work.
[0037] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an enclosure in which environmental
conditions are controlled, according to some embodiments. Enclosure
100, in this example is a single-family dwelling. According to
other embodiments, the enclosure can be, for example, a duplex, an
apartment within an apartment building, a light commercial
structure such as an office or retail store, or a structure or
enclosure that is a combination of the above. Thermostat 110
controls HVAC system 120 as will be described in further detail
below. According to some embodiments, the HVAC system 120 is has a
cooling capacity less than about 5 tons. According to some
embodiments, a remote device 112 wirelessly communicates with the
thermostat 110 and can be used to display information to a user and
to receive user input from the remote location of the device 112.
According to some embodiments, the device 112 can be located
outside of the enclosure 100.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an HVAC system, according to some
embodiments. HVAC system 120 provides heating, cooling,
ventilation, and/or air handling for the enclosure, such as a
single-family home 100 depicted in FIG. 1. The system 120 depicts a
forced air type heating system, although according to other
embodiments, other types of systems could be used. In heating,
heating coils or elements 242 within air handler 240 provide a
source of heat using electricity or gas via line 236. Cool air is
drawn from the enclosure via return air duct 246 through filter
270, using fan 238 and is heated heating coils or elements 242. The
heated air flows back into the enclosure at one or more locations
via supply air duct system 252 and supply air grills such as grill
250. In cooling an outside compressor 230 passes gas such a Freon
through a set of heat exchanger coils to cool the gas. The gas then
goes to the cooling coils 234 in the air handlers 240 where it
expands, cools and cools the air being circulated through the
enclosure via fan 238. According to some embodiments a humidifier
254 is also provided. Although not shown in FIG. 2, according to
some embodiments the HVAC system has other known functionality such
as venting air to and from the outside, and one or more dampers to
control airflow within the duct systems. The system is controlled
by algorithms implemented via control electronics 212 that
communicate with a thermostat 110. Thermostat 110 controls the HVAC
system 120 through a number of control circuits. Thermostat 110
also includes a processing system 260 such as a microprocessor that
is adapted and programmed to controlling the HVAC system and to
carry out the techniques described in detail herein.
[0039] FIGS. 3A-C illustrate a thermostat having a user friendly
interface, according to some embodiments. Unlike so many prior art
thermostats, thermostat 300 preferably has a sleek, simple,
uncluttered and elegant design that does not detract from home
decoration, and indeed can serve as a visually pleasing centerpiece
for the immediate location in which it is installed. Moreover user
interaction with thermostat 300 is facilitated and greatly enhanced
over conventional designs by the design of thermostat 300. The
thermostat 300 includes control circuitry and is electrically
connected to an HVAC system, such as is shown with thermostat 110
in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thermostat 300 is wall mounted and has circular
in shape and has an outer rotatable ring 312 for receiving user
input. Thermostat 300 has a large frontal display area 314.
According to some embodiments, thermostat 300 is approximately 80
mm in diameter. The outer ring 312 allows the user to make
adjustments, such as selecting a new target temperature. For
example, by rotating the outer ring 312 clockwise, the target
temperature can be increased, and by rotating the outer ring 312
counter-clockwise, the target temperature can be decreased. Within
the outer ring 312 is a clear cover 314 which according to some
embodiments is polycarbonate. Also within out ring 312 is a
metallic portion 324, preferably having a number of windows 318.
According to some embodiments, the surface of cover 314 and
metallic portion 324 form a curved spherical shape gently arcing
outward that matches a portion of the surface of rotating ring 312,
as shown in the side view 3B.
[0040] According to some embodiments, the cover 314 is painted or
smoked around the outer portion, but leaving a central display area
316 clear so as to facilitate display of information to users.
According to some embodiments, the curved cover 314 acts as a lens
which tends to magnify the information being displayed in display
area 316 to users.
[0041] According to some embodiments central display area 320 is a
dot-matrix layout (individually addressable) such that arbitrary
shapes can be generated, rather than being a segmented layout.
According to some embodiments, a combination of dot-matrix layout
and segmented layout is employed. According to some embodiments,
central display area 316 is a backlit color liquid crystal display
(LCD). According to some embodiments, other display technologies
can be used such as passive and/or monochrome LCD, organic
light-emitting diode (OLED), or electronic ink (e-ink) display
technology. E-ink, that reflects light while not drawing power is
particularly well suited, according to some embodiments, since a
thermostat typically does not require a particularly short refresh
time and also benefits greatly from relatively low power
consumption. An example of information is shown in FIG. 3A, which
are central numerals 320.
[0042] According to some embodiments, metallic portion 324 has
number of openings 318 so as to allow the use of a passive infrared
proximity sensor 330 mounted beneath the portion 324. Openings 318
are used, according to some embodiments, since many useful
materials are opaque to infrared energy in useful wavelengths such
as about 10 microns.
[0043] Preferably, the outer ring 312 is mechanically mounted in a
manner that provides a smooth yet viscous feel to the user, for
further promoting an overall feeling of elegance while also
reducing spurious or unwanted rotational inputs. According to some
embodiments, rotating outer ring 312 rotates on plastic bearings
and an optical digital encoder is used to measure the rotational
movement and/or rotational position of the ring 312. According to
other embodiments, other technologies such as mounting the rotating
ring 312 on a central shaft may be employed.
[0044] According to some embodiments, ventilation is facilitated
through gap 332 between the rotating ring 312 and the body of the
head unit 310, through gap 344 between the head unit 310 and the
backplate 340, and into the backplate 340 via vents 342. In
general, air circulation through gaps 332 and 344 and through vents
342 serves two purposes. Firstly, the air circulation allows the
ambient air to reach one or more sensors located inside the
thermostat. Secondly, the air circulation allows electronics in the
thermostat to cool such that heat from the electronics does not
significantly effect the sensing of the ambient air
characteristics. According to some embodiments, the vents 332, 344
and 342 are visually hidden from the user as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C,
allows for a simple, visually uncluttered design that facilitates
ease of use by users.
[0045] According to some embodiments, thermostat 300 includes a
microphone for detecting or monitoring sound (within the audible
range), an ultrasonic (sonar) microphone for detecting or
monitoring sounds out of audible range, an infrared sensor for
detecting or monitoring heat emitted from objects (e.g., people
moving) and/or to detect use of infrared devices (e.g., a mobile
phone or device, computer, television), an accelerometer to detect
or monitor changes in motion of thermostat components or nearby
objects or people, a radar sensor for detecting or monitoring
changes in low emission radio waves, and/or a motion sensor for
detecting motion. In some embodiments, some or all of the
aforementioned sensors can be used to detect or monitor the
presence or motion of an object or person. In some embodiments,
some or all of the aforementioned sensors can be used to detect or
monitor the presence or motions of an object or person for the
purpose of preparing a user interface for an approaching user, to
activate or deactivate a function or setting, to detect the
occupancy of a nearby area, to receive inputs based on the presence
or motion of an object or person, etc.
[0046] A locking mechanism is also provided that is engaged via
turning the screw head 322 a quarter turn.
[0047] FIG. 4A illustrates a thermostat having a head unit and a
backplate (or wall dock) for ease of installation, configuration
and upgrading, according to some embodiments. Thermostat 400 is
preferably designed as shown in and described with respect to FIGS.
3A-C. As in the case of thermostat 300, thermostat 400 is wall
mounted and has circular in shape and has an outer rotatable ring
412 for receiving user input. Thermostat 400 has a cover 414 that
includes a display area 416. Head unit 410 of round thermostat 400
slides on to back plate 440. According to some embodiments the
connection of the head unit 410 to backplate 440 can be
accomplished using magnets, bayonet, latches and catches, tabs or
ribs with matching indentations, or simply friction on mating
portions of the head unit 410 and backplate 440.
[0048] According to some embodiments, a locking mechanism is
provided wherein a post 450 on the backplate 440 is engaged by a
quarter turn of a latch. According to some embodiments a flat head
screw head is used for the latch. According some other embodiments
other types screw heads can be used to provide greater security
such as when the thermostat is being installed in public locations.
According to some embodiments, the head unit 410 includes a
processing system 420, display driver 424 and a wireless
communications system 426. The processing system 420 is adapted to
cause the display driver 424 and display area 416 to display
information to the user, and to receiver user input via the
rotating ring 412, as is described in greater detail herein. The
processing system 420, according to some embodiments, is capable of
maintaining and updating a thermodynamic model for the enclosure in
which the HVAC system is installed. For further detail on the
thermodynamic modeling, see U.S. patent Ser. No. 12/881,463 filed
Sep. 14, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein. According
to some embodiments, the wireless communications system 426 is used
to communicate with devices such as personal computers and/or other
thermostats or HVAC system components.
[0049] Backplate 440 includes electronics 482 and temperature
sensor 484 in housing 460, which are ventilated via vents 442. A
bubble level 462 is provided to aid in the correctly orienting the
thermostat when mounting on a wall. Wire connectors 470 are
provided to allow for connection to HVAC system wires. Connection
terminal 480 provides electrical connections between the head unit
410 and backplate 440.
[0050] The docking capability of headunit 410, according to some
embodiments, provides many advantages and opportunities in both a
technology sense and a business sense. Because the headunit 410 can
be easily removed and replaced by even the most
non-technically-savvy customer, many upgrading and upselling
opportunities are provided. For example, many different versions of
the headunit 410 can be separately sold, the different versions
having different colors, styles, themes, and so forth. Upgrading to
a new headunit 410 having more advanced capabilities becomes a very
easy task, and so the customer will be readily able to take
advantage of the newest display technology, sensor technology, more
memory, and so forth as the technology improves over time.
[0051] FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the
headunit 410 and an HVAC-coupling wall dock 1502 according to an
embodiment. The HVAC coupling wall dock 1502, according to some
embodiments, includes a standard temperature readout/setting dial
1572 and a simple COOL-OFF-HEAT switch 1574, and can function as an
elemental, standalone thermostat when the headunit 410 is removed.
This can prove useful for a variety of situations, such as if the
headunit 410 needs to be removed for service or repair for an
extended period of time over which the occupants would still like
to remain reasonably comfortable. For one embodiment, the elemental
thermostat components 1572 and 1574 are entirely mechanical in
nature, such that no electrical power is needed to trip the control
relays. For other embodiments, simple electronic controls such as
electrical up/down buttons and/or an LCD readout are provided. For
other embodiments, some subset of the advanced functionalities of
the headunit 410 can be provided, such as elemental network access
to allow remote control, to provide a sort of "brain stem"
functionality while the "brain" (the headunit 410) is temporarily
away.
[0052] FIGS. 4B-C shows a top and bottom view of a thermostat
backplate, according to some embodiments. The backplate 440 is
mounted on a wall using screws through two openings: round hole 464
and slotted hole 466. By using a slotted shaped hole 466, the user
or installer can make small adjustments in the angle of mounting of
backplate 440. As shown in FIG. 4B, backplate 440 includes a bubble
level 462 including a window 472 through which the user can check
and make a level mounting of backplate 440 on a wall. The HVAC
system wires pass through a large rectangular opening 468 and are
connected to wire connectors 470. According to some embodiments,
eight wire connectors are provided as shown in FIG. 4B, and labeled
with common HVAC system wire names. FIG. 4C shows the back of
backplate 440, the side that will face the wall when thermostat 400
is wall mounted. Temperature sensor 484 is includes and allows the
backplate 440 to operate as a fully functional thermostat even when
not connected to the headunit 410. For example, the backplate
electronics 482 includes an MCU processor, and driver circuitry for
opening and closing the HVAC control circuits, thereby turning on
and turning off the one or more HVAC functions such as heating and
cooling. The electronics 482 also includes flash memory which is
used to store the series of programmed settings that take effect at
different times of the day, such that the programmed set point
changes can be carried out even when the headunit 410 is not
attached to the backplate 440. According to some embodiments, the
electronics 482 also includes power harvesting circuitry so obtain
power from the HVAC control circuit(s) even when an HVAC common
power wire is not available.
[0053] FIGS. 5A-B illustrate a thermostat as it is being controlled
by the hand of a user according to some embodiments. Thermostat 500
is preferably designed as shown in and described with respect to
FIGS. 3A-C and 4A-C. As in the case of thermostats 300 and 400,
thermostat 500 is wall mounted and has circular in shape and has an
outer rotatable ring 512 for receiving user input. Thermostat 500
has a cover 514, which includes a display area 516. Head unit 510
of round thermostat 500 slides on to back plate (not shown). The
head unit 510 includes an upper cap 508 and a main body 506. The
upper cap 508 includes the rotating ring 512, cover 514 and display
area 516.
[0054] According to some embodiments, for the combined purposes of
inspiring user confidence and further promoting visual and
functional elegance, the thermostat 500 is controlled by only two
types of user input, the first being a rotation of the outer ring
512 (FIG. 5B) (referenced hereafter as an "rotate ring"), and the
second being an inward push on the upper cap 508 (FIG. 5C) until an
audible and/or tactile "click" occurs. According to some
embodiments, the inward push of FIG. 4C only causes the outer ring
512 to move forward, while in other embodiments the entire upper
cap 508 moves inwardly together when pushed. Preferably, cover 514
does not rotate with outer ring 512. According to some embodiments,
pushing inward of upper cap 508 can include multiple types of user
input. A single brief push inward until the audible and/or tactile
click occurs followed by a release (single click) can be
interpreted as one type of user input (referenced hereafter as an
"inward click"). Pushing the upper cap 508 and holding the inward
pressure for an amount of time such as 1-3 seconds can be
interpreted as another type of user input (referenced hereafter as
a "press and hold"). According to some embodiments, other types of
input can be interpreted by a user such as double and/or multiple
clicks, and pressing and holding for longer and/or shorter periods
of time. According to other embodiments, speed-sensitive or
acceleration-sensitive rotational inputs may be implemented (e.g.,
a very large and fast leftward rotation specifies an "Away"
occupancy state, while a very large and fast rightward rotation
specifies an "Occupied" occupancy state).
[0055] FIGS. 6A-F illustrate basic user interactions with a
thermostat, according to to some embodiments. Thermostat 600 is
preferably designed as shown in and described with respect to FIGS.
3A-C, 4A-C and 5A-B. As in the case of thermostats 300, 400 and
500, thermostat 600 is wall mounted and has circular in shape and
has an outer rotatable ring 612 for receiving user input, a cover
614 and a display area 616. Large central numerals 620 are shown in
FIG. 6A, and in this case represent the current temperature.
Although in FIGS. 6A-F the central numerals 620 are shown in black
against a white background in display area 616, according so some
embodiments the numerals 620 are displayed in white and the
background of display area 616 indicates to a user the HVAC
function currently be used. According to some embodiments,
displaying a black background in area 616 indicates that the HVAC
system is neither currently heating nor currently cooling.
[0056] According to some embodiments, a user can change the set
point of thermostat 600 by rotating the ring 612. In the example
shown in FIGS. 6A-F, rotating the ring in a clockwise causes an
increase in set point temperature, such as show in FIG. 6B. In FIG.
6B, the set point temperature has been increased to 81 degrees in
response to the user rotating ring 612 in a clockwise direction.
Central numerals 620 display "81" and the text 622 displays "SET
TO" to indicate the new current set point temperature. According to
some embodiments, after a short period of about 1-5 seconds, the
display 616 changes to that of FIG. 6C. The text 622 changes to
"HEATING TO" to indicate to the user that the HVAC heating system
is currently being activated. The central numerals 620 remain
displaying 81, which is the current set point temperature. The
background color in area 616 is changed to indicate the heating
function, which according to some embodiments is a shade of red
and/or orange. According to some embodiments the color can also be
used to indicate the amount of heating that will be required to
reach the current set point. For example, more saturated or
brighter colors indicate that a greater amount of heating will be
required, and more unsaturated or darker colors indicate that a
lesser amount of heating will be required. According to some
embodiments, the time to reach the set point temperature is
displayed textually in text 624 and/or graphically using bars 626.
For further details of calculating and displaying time to reach set
point temperature, please refer to U.S. patent Ser. No. 12/984,602,
filed Jan. 4, 2011, which is incorporated by reference herein.
[0057] According to some embodiments, the display area 616
alternates between showing the current temperature, as in FIG. 6A,
and the set point temperature, as in FIG. 6C. In this way, when the
HVAC system is active, and/or anytime the set point temperature is
different from the current temperature, both types of information
can be displayed to users. According to some embodiments, the
frequency of alternating the displays is about 3-5 seconds.
[0058] In FIG. 6E, the set point temperature has been decreased to
59 degrees in response to the user rotating ring 612 in a
counter-clockwise direction from the starting point shown in FIG.
6D. Central numerals 620 display "59" and the text 622 displays
"SET TO" to indicate the new current set point temperature.
According to some embodiments, after a short period of about 1-5
seconds, the display 616 changes to that of FIG. 6F. The text 622
changes to "COOLING TO" to indicate to the user that the HVAC
heating system is currently being activated. The central numerals
620 remain displaying 59, which is the current set point
temperature. The background color in area 616 is changed to
indicate the cooling function, which according to some embodiments
is a shade of blue. According to some embodiments the color can
also be used to indicate the amount of heating that will be
required to reach the current set point. For example, more
saturated or brighter colors indicate that a greater amount of
cooling will be required, and more unsaturated or darker colors
indicate that a lesser amount of cooling will be required.
According to some embodiments, the time to reach the set point
temperature is displayed textually in text 624 and/or graphically
using bars 626.
[0059] According to some embodiments, the display area 616
alternates between showing the current temperature, as in FIG. 6D,
and the set point temperature, as in FIG. 6F. In this way, when the
HVAC system is active, and/or anytime the set point temperature is
different from the current temperature, both types of information
can be displayed to users. According to some embodiments, the
frequency of alternating the displays is about 3-5 seconds.
[0060] FIGS. 7A-P illustrate a thermostat having a user interface
capable of viewing and editing future set points and review
historical information, according to some embodiments. Thermostat
700 is preferably designed as shown in and described with respect
to FIGS. 3A-C, 4A-C, 5A-B, and 6A-F. As in the case of thermostats
300, 400, 500 and 600, thermostat 700 is wall mounted and has
circular in shape and has an outer rotatable ring 712 for receiving
user input, a cover 714 and a display area 716 marked by the dotted
white circle. Large central numerals 720 are shown in FIG. 7A, and
in this case represent the current temperature. According to some
embodiments, in FIG. 7A, the background of display area 716 is
black indicating that the HVAC system is inactive (i.e. neither
currently heating nor currently cooling) and numerals 720 are
white.
[0061] According to some embodiments, the future scheduled program
and/or historical information are accessed by the user via a inward
click. FIG. 7B show the thermostat 700 immediately following an
inward click. The information that was previously displayed showing
the current status, in this case the current temperature of 72 is
shrunk down in size as shown by the dotted ring 730 in FIG. 7B.
Note that if the current status had shown current heating or
cooling, such as with colors such as described with resect to FIGS.
6A-F above, the color and set point temperature would be displayed
in the area within dotted ring 730 of FIG. 7B. The two partial
circles 732 and 734 on the left and right sides of circle 730,
respectively, indicate to the user that another screen lies to the
left and right that can be accessed via rotating the ring 712.
[0062] FIG. 7C is a view of display 716 as shown in FIG. 7B. In
response to a ring rotation the program schedule is accessed. FIG.
7D shows that later today, as indicated by the text 740 "TODAY" at
10pm, as indicated by the text 742 "10PM," the set point is
scheduled to be changed to 65, as indicated by the numerals 720
"65." Note that the two partial circles 732 and 734 are shown to
aid the user in navigation. In the example shown in FIG. 7D, the
left partial circle 732 is shown in black, or whatever color was
being used to indicate the current status, as discussed with
respect to FIGS. 7A-C. By rotating the ring further in the same
direction (e.g. clockwise), the further programmed set points,
shown in FIGS. 7E, 7F and 7G are progressively displayed. By
rotating the ring 712 in the opposite direction (e.g.
counter-clockwise), progressively earlier programmed set points are
displayed.
[0063] According to some embodiments the scheduled program can be
edited by a user. From any of the displayed programmed set points,
such as shown in screen 716 in FIG. 7H, an inward click is used to
indicate the desire to edit the set point. In response to an inward
click, the white inner circle 730 expands to fill the display area
716 as shown in FIG. 7I. The set point temperature indicated by
numerals 720 also blinks that indicates to the user the value that
will be altered by rotating ring 712. When the desired set point
temperature is set using the ring 712, another inward click will
advance to FIG. 7J. In FIG. 7J, the time blinking, and is adjusted
using the rotating ring 712. When the desired set point temperature
is set using the ring 712, another inward click will advance to
FIG. 7K. In FIG. 7K, the user uses the rotating ring 712 to select
one of four choices lists. The selected choice is highlighted in
black or a different suitable contrasting color or using an
outline. The choices shown in FIG. 7K are: "DONE" which will accept
the changes and take the user back to the displayed schedule screen
shown in FIG. 7H; "ADD NEW SET POINT" which will add a new
programmed set point change for the given day; "DELETE SET POINT"
which sill delete the current programmed set point; and "CANCEL"
which will return the user to the displayed schedule screen without
making any changes. According to some embodiments, the thermostat
has a predefined number of set points (such as 4 per day=28 per
week) which can each be edited as shown in FIGS. 7I and 7J, but for
simplicity and ease of use, the user cannot add new set points or
delete set points.
[0064] According to some embodiments, historical information can be
displayed to the user as shown in FIGS. 7L-P. FIG. 7L shows the
display area 716 as in FIG. 7A. An inward click from a user causes
the display are 716 to change to the navigation mode shown in FIG.
7M which corresponds to display area 716 in FIG. 7B. By rotating
the ring in the opposite direction as would cause the display of
future programmed set points (such as shown in FIGS. 7D-G), a
display of historical information can be accessed by the user.
According to some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7N historical
temperature can be displayed in graphical form. For further details
on interactively displaying historical information, see FIGS. 13
and 14A-B.
[0065] FIGS. 8A-F illustrates how other thermostat settings can be
made using a user interface, according to some embodiments. FIG. 8A
shows a display area 816 that corresponds to the display area 316,
416, 516, 616 and 716 in the previous figures and as described
herein. In FIG. 8A, the thermostat is displaying a current
temperature of 72, for examples using numerals 820. According to
some embodiments, settings are accessed by an inward press and hold
of the upper cap of the thermostat. The settings navigation screen
shown in FIG. 8B, following a press an hold, where the current
temperature is shown with numerals 820, two partial circles 832 and
834 indicate to the user that by rotating the outer ring further
settings screens can be accessed. The word "SETTINGS" is displayed
text 840 to indicate to the user that the settings menu is being
displayed. By rotating the ring, various settings can be displayed
and edited. For example, FIG. 8C shows a screen for setting
Fahrenheit or Celsius and FIG. 8D shows a screen for setting WiFi
access. According to some embodiments, the particular setting is
viewed and can be altered by a press and hold operation while the
desired setting type is being displayed. For example, if a user
wanted to update the WiFi settings, a press and hold from screen 8D
would cause a display of the current WiFi settings such as the name
of the network currently being used, and an option to select a
different network and/or enter network security passwords.
[0066] According to some embodiments, the settings mode is exited
by navigating to the "DONE" screen shown in FIG. 8E, and then
making an inward click. According to some embodiments, the a coin
flip transition is used to indicate to the user that a mode is
being change, in this case as shown in FIG. 8F, the coin flip
transition indicates the transition from Settings Mode back to
current display. Thus, according to some embodiments, transitions
between screens can graphically indicated to the user in different
ways including: a coin-flip transition (see e.g. FIG. 8F); a
shrinking or growing portion of the display (see e.g. 7A and 7B);
and a translation or shifting of displayed elements from
right-to-left or from left-to-right (see e.g. FIGS. 7C-G).
[0067] FIGS. 9A-D illustrate a thermostat having a user interface
capable of entering textual information, according to some
embodiments. Thermostat 900 is preferably designed as shown in and
described with respect to FIGS. 3A-C, 4A-C, 5A-B, 6A-F and 7A-P. As
in the case of thermostats 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700, thermostat
900 is wall mounted and has circular in shape and has an outer
rotatable ring 912 for receiving user input, a cover 914 and a
display area 916. In FIG. 9A, a screen is shown that allows the
user to enter capital letters into the entry window 922 by rotating
the outer ring 912 which causes the letters to rotate around the
outer area of display area 916, and when the desired character is
positioned within the window 920 the character is selected by a
inward click operation. Other than the capital letters: the check
mark 950 is used to indicate the text entry operation is finished
the selected text should be accepted; the back arrow 952 is used to
indicate the text entry operation should be cancelled; a symbol 954
representing another group of characters should be selected for
input; and a backspace symbol 956 is used to delete the most
recently entered character. FIG. 9B illustrates the lower case
characters, and FIGS. 9C and 9D show numbers and various other
characters that can be entered.
[0068] In some embodiments, thermostat 900 is programmed to provide
a software lockout functionality, wherein a person is required to
enter a password, code, or combination before thermostat 900 will
accept their control inputs. The user interface for password
request and entry can be similar to those shown in FIGS. 9A-D. The
software lockout functionality can be highly useful, for example,
for Mom and Dad in preventing their teenager from making unwanted
changes to the set temperature, for various landlord-tenant
scenarios, and in a variety of other situations.
[0069] FIGS. 10A and 10B show a thermostat having further buttons
to facilitate user input and navigation, according to some
embodiments. Thermostat 1000 is preferably designed as shown in and
described with respect to FIGS. 3A-C, 4A-C, 5A-B, 6A-F, 7A-P and
9A-D. As in the case of thermostats 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 and
900, thermostat 1000 is wall mounted and has circular in shape and
has an outer rotatable ring 1012 for receiving user input, a cover
1014 and a display area 1016. According to some embodiments, the
settings screen of FIG. 8B can be accessed, for example by using an
dedicated button 1020 labeled "MENU" or "SETTINGS" or the like as
shown in FIG. 10A. According to some embodiments, the user can
reverse the navigation through the various screens and menus by
pressing a dedicated button 1022 labeled "BACK" as shown in FIG.
10B.
[0070] FIGS. 11A-B illustrate further aspects of a user interface
for a thermostat according to some embodiments. Thermostat 1100 is
preferably designed as shown in and described with respect to FIGS.
3A-C, 4A-C, 5A-B, 6A-F, 7A-P, 9A-D and FIGS. 10A-B. As in the case
of thermostats 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 900 and 1000, thermostat
1100 is wall mounted and has circular in shape and has an outer
rotatable ring 1112 for receiving user input, a cover 1114 and a
display area 1116. FIGS. 11A and 11B show further detail of
portions of the user interface while the user is adjusting the set
point temperature using rotating ring 1112, according to some
embodiments. As in some prior figures, the display 1116 is
illustrated with black characters and graphics against a white
background for clarity, although according to some preferred
embodiments, the characters and graphics are shown in white or some
other bright color against a background that is either black or
some other color as might be used to indicate current HVAC
functionality. When the user rotates the ring 1112 in either
direction, thermostat 1100 responds by displaying scale tick marks
1150 around the outer area of display 1116 as shown. According to
some embodiments, the tick marks 11150 are shown in decreased
contrast with respect to the background, such as decreased
brightness in cases there the information is displayed in lighter
colors against a darker background. For example, according to some
embodiments, the scale ticks 1150 are shown at a brightness value
of 75, where a value of 100 represents full brightness. The current
temperature is shown by numerals 1132, and graphically along the
tick scale 1150 by current temperature tick 1134. According to some
embodiments, current temperature tick 1134 is wider than the scale
ticks 1150 and/or have higher contrast from the background, such as
a brightness value of 86 against a darker background. As the
rotating ring 1112 is moved by the user in the clockwise direction,
the set point temperature is adjusted in an upward direction. The
set point temperature is displayed numerically using central
numerals 1120 and graphically in the form of a set point tick 1140.
According to some embodiments, the set point tick is wider and/or
has even higher contrast than the current temperature tick 1134,
for example a brightness value of 100 against a darker background.
Also shown is the estimated time to reach the set point temperature
1130. Note that the location of the set point tick 1140 depends on
the set point temperature, with higher temperatures being
represented in the clockwise direction and lower temperatures in
the counter-clockwise directions. In FIG. 11B, the set point
temperature is being adjusted to be lower than the current
temperature (for example, when the user is calling for cooling
rather than heating) in which case the set point tick 1140 is shown
to the left of the current temperature tick 1134. According to some
embodiments, the current temperature numerals 1132 is located on
the left side of the of the current temperature tick 1134 while
heating and on the right side when cooling. Note also that the ends
1152 and 1154 of the scale ticks 1150 can represent the safety
minimum temperature and maximum temperature, respectively.
According to some embodiments, after a suitable amount of time,
such as three seconds, of user inactivity (i.e. no further rotation
of ring 1112), the scale ticks 1150 fade to transparent. Note that
although in this example, clockwise is used for higher temperatures
and counter clockwise for lower temperatures, according to some
embodiment these directions are reversed.
[0071] FIGS. 12A-C illustrate aspects of a thermostat user
interface, according to some embodiments. It has been found that
the rotating ring user input device is particularly well suited to
certain types of interactive display techniques. In particular,
according to some embodiments, displaying rotating dials of numbers
and/or characters have been found to be particularly useful when
obtaining user input for fields of data that are of a fixed
character length, and have limited possible characters in each
character position. The rotating dial display has been found to
give the user positive feedback in terms of quickly finding the
correct characters that need to be input. FIG. 12A shows thermostat
1200 having a rotating ring 1212 and circular display area 1216. A
display 1220 is used for obtaining the user's preference for a
monthly budget. According to one embodiment, each of the three
dollar numerals individually set using the rotating ring 1212 and
then accepted using a inward click. According to another
embodiment, the entire dollar amount, that is, all three digits is
adjusted at once using the dial. FIG. 12B shows an example of a
display 1222 for entering numerals in a U.S. ZIP code. A similar
dial format can be used for combinations of letters and numbers
such as are used in other geographic locations. FIG. 12C shows a
date entry display 1224. Note that according to some embodiments,
when the year field is changed from 2012 to 2011, for example, the
day number field automatically changes to a valid day number, for
example from 29 to 28.
[0072] FIG. 13 shows the relationship between a computer display
and thermostat display, according to some embodiments. In this
example, historical temperature information is represented by curve
1314 and is being displayed to a user on a computer display 1310.
The same information can be viewed by a user on the circular
display of the thermostat 1320 using a combination of ring rotation
and inward clicks, as is described herein. The historical display
can be navigated to by a user as described, for example, with
respect to FIGS. 7L-P. In the case shown in FIG. 13, the historical
temperature data within the window 1312 is shown to the user in the
circular display of thermostat 1320. According to some embodiments,
the display shifts to the left and right using the rotating ring
and is zoom-able, using a combination of inward click and rotating
the ring.
[0073] FIGS. 14A-B show a thermostat having an interactive user
interface, according to some embodiments. Thermostat 1400 has a
rotating ring 1412 and a circular display 1416 as shown. The
display 1416 is being used to display historical information to the
user, and can correspond to a screen such as shown in FIGS. 7N-P.
The time period 1426, set temperature 1420, relative energy use
1422 and occupancy mode 1424 is displayed as shown. Note that other
forms of display can be used, according to other embodiments. For
example, in FIG. 14B, icons 1430, 1432 and 1434 are used to
symbolically display to the user occupancy modes for "home,"
"away," and "sleep," respectively.
[0074] Although the foregoing has been described in some detail for
purposes of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the principles
thereof. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of
implementing both the processes and apparatuses described herein.
Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as
illustrative and not restrictive, and the inventive body of work is
not to be limited to the details given herein, which may be
modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended
claims.
* * * * *